Healdsburg, Calif.—Williams Selyem Winery purchased the Saitone Vineyard on Olivet Road in the Russian River Valley AVA of Sonoma County. The 33-acre property was first planted in 1895 and consists of 26 acres of vineyards that include 12 acres of Zinfandel vines that are more than 100 years old, according to the statement announcing the deal.

"Burt Williams and Ed Selyem’s first wine was Zinfandel made from 84 year-old vines,” said Williams Selyem owner John Dyson. “It breaks my heart to see several of our finest heritage vineyards being ripped out in favor of other higher producing premium varieties. With this purchase, we are thrilled to be preserving a small piece of Russian River Valley history and adding to our portfolio of great single vineyard Zinfandel selections.”

Saitone Vineyard is the fourth addition to the Williams Selyem estate vineyard collection that includes Drake Estate Vineyard, Lewis MacGregor Estate Vineyard, and Williams Selyem Estate Vineyard, all in the Russian River Valley AVA; as well as the Vista Verde Vineyard located in the San Benito Appellation. The winery plans to produce the first single vineyard bottling from the Saitone Vineyard this year.

“This historic, dry-farmed ranch is known for producing grapes with complexity and concentration,” said winemaker Jeff Mangahas. “I’m looking forward to exploring the depth of character of this vineyard’s wines from vintage to vintage.”